Sutton striving to improve

Canberra Raiders forward Ryan Sutton believes he is continuing to develop after his key role from the bench in the victory over the Wests Tigers.

Having missed last year’s finals series due to a knee injury, Sutton felt like he was able to build upon his breakthrough season and make an impact.

“I’m really happy with how it went,” Sutton said. “I think when you compare it to last year, I think it’s a big improvement for myself.

“I always look at the game and see what I can take out it. There’s still loads of improvements for myself and for the team as well. Moving forward I’ll definitely be taking a look and seeing what I can improve on.”

With competition for places at a premium, Sutton knows the competitiveness at training will continue to drive good performances.

“I think this year, players like Darby Medlyn who are coming through the ranks… you could put them in tomorrow if you wanted to,” Sutton said. “But at the same time everyone’s there for each other and that’s how you get the best out of each other, is competing against each other.”

A young player who shone against the Tigers was Hudson Young. The second-rower picked up all three Dally M points after a strong display which also impressed fellow second-rower Elliott Whitehead.

“He’s been working really hard in the preseason,” Whitehead said. “He’s only playing there a few times but like I said, he’s been working really hard and it paid off on the weekend.

“He’s a powerful kid and probably one of the strongest here in the club. He’s dedicated to try and keep that position and if he keeps playing like he is, I can’t see why he won’t.”

The Canberra Raiders travel to Netstrata Jubilee Stadium to play the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks this Sunday.